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My Charleston Weekend: May 8-14

Willie Nelson and Alison Krauss

Willie Nelson and Alison Krauss, with band Union Station, have joined forces for their first-ever co-headlining tour. The 35-city run kicked off May 1 and will see a variety of performers filling the third slot of the night, including folk trio the Devil Makes Three, two-time Grammy winner Kacey Musgraves and celebrated songwriter Jason Isbell. Devil Makes Three will be the band joining Nelson and Krauss when they make their way to the Lowcountry for a rain-or-shine show on Daniel Island. With two country icons with a string of hits between them, this is a show that isn't to be missed.

Dropkick Murphys

Celtic punk band Dropkick Murphys has long been a St. Patrick's Day mainstay, building popularity with its holiday-week shows held in and around Boston. The 2004 single "Tessie" became the band's first hit and one of its biggest charting singles to date. The band earned its only platinum-selling single to date with the song "I'm Shipping Up to Boston," featured in the Academy Award-winning movie "The Departed." Dropkick Murphys released its eighth studio album, "Signed and Sealed in Blood," last year, an album that made its debut at No. 9 on the Billboard charts. The band's local show will be all ages, with The Bots opening.

REO Speedwagon

Over the course of its more than 40-year career, REO Speedwagon has sold more than 40 million records and has charted 13 Top 40 hits, including the No. 1 songs "Keep on Loving You" and "Can't Fight This Feeling." The band, which carved a path that was eventually followed by the likes of STYX, Kansas, Cheap Trick and more, has toured with STYX, .38 Special, Pat Benatar, Ted Nugent, Chicago and more. With its songs still spinning on the radio, REO will perform its hits with special guest Mark Bryan of Hootie & the Blowfish.

Alabama

With more than 73 million in album sales, Alabama is one of the world's best-selling bands of all time, earning them spots in the Country Music Hall of Fame and on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Fort Payne, Ala., band got its start when band members left home to spend a summer playing in a Myrtle Beach bar called The Bowery. And while the cousins' biggest success came in the '80s, it was, and still is, something to behold. Tallying more than 27 No. 1 hits in that time, the single "Tennessee River" started a streak that continued with "Love in the First Degree," "Mountain Music," "Song of the South" and more.

When: Saturday, gates open at 6 p.m. with the show starting at 7:30 p.m.

Tegan and Sara

Identical twin sisters Tegan and Sara Quin are Canadian musicians that have built a global following of fans and fellow musicians alike. Bridging a gap between the pop and indie worlds, the duo has found success in various genres over their career. Performing at festival such as Lilith Fair, Coachella, SXSW, Bonnaroo, Glastonbury and Lollapalooza, to name just a few, the multitalented sisters are currently making the rounds on their Let's Make Things Physical Tour. Having released their seventh album, "Heartthrob," in 2012, Tegan and Sara also spend their time as ambassadors for gay rights; both are openly gay. Their local stop will be open to all ages and will feature Lucius and The Courtneys.

When: Wednesday, doors open at 7 p.m. with the show starting at 7:45 p.m.

Anthony Hamilton

R&B singer Anthony Hamilton is a Southern boy at heart. Born and raised in Charlotte, he first was introduced to a national audience by singing the backing chorus on "Po' Folks," hip-hop group Nappy Roots' Grammy-nominated 2002 track, and has since been virtually synonymous with modern soul music. But his solo work maintains a deep Southern flavor, with tracks like "Cornbread, Fish, and Collard Greens" on his 2003 solo follow-up to "Po' Folks" titled "Comin' From Where I'm From." With his latest album, 2011's "Back to Love," racking up two Grammy nominations, Hamilton told Charleston Scene in 2012 that a change in his sound may be imminent, emphasizing his Southern roots and childhood interest in country music.

Charleston Greek Festival

Celebrating its 44th year, the three-day Charleston Greek Festival will offer attendees the chance to take part in a decades-old tradition of culture and entertainment. Featuring two bands performing Greek music, folk dance performances, cultural exhibits and shops, the festival is sure to offer something for the whole family. Attendees also will have a chance to dig into dishes of authentic fare, including mousaka, gyro, kebob and more, and sip on Greek wines and beverages. Additional parking will be available at Joe Riley Stadium, with a free shuttle running to and from the church.

When: Friday-Sunday

Where: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 30 Race St.

Price: $5, $3 for seniors and students, active military and kids 12 and under get in free; mothers get in free on Sunday

'La Grande Bellezza'

The Nuovo Cinema Italiano Film Festival will host "La Grande Bellezza," an evening of film, food and fun. The event will feature Italian club music, Prosecco cocktails and a number of Italian-themed silent auction items. The film shown will be "La Grande Bellezza," or "The Great Beauty," an Oscar-winning film by Italian director Paolo Sorrentino. Attendees are encouraged to wear dressy or themed attire, such as Panama hats and colorful "Jep Gambardella"-style jackets. The event serves as a benefit for the Nuovo Cinema Italiano Film Festival held in November.

When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday

Where: College of Charleston's School of Science and Mathematics, 202 Calhoun St.

Blessing of the Vines

Lighthouse Winery & Vineyards will hold its Blessing of the Vines festival. With live music starting a noon with performances by Folly Dogs and the Shane Clark Experience, attendees are invited to come out and dance or just tap their toes. In addition to the music, there will be horseshoes and corn hole, and craft and food vendors. The blessing of the vines will take place at 3:30 p.m. Dogs on a leash are welcome as are lawn chairs, but coolers should be left at home.

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